Donnie, a settler on this land, joins Atira from their role as Executive Director for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) with a focus on land (back) acquisition, housing, operations, community safety and Sen̓áḵw services. 

They have a proven track record of leading transformational change in complex environments, and have been recognized for their fair, consistent and kind leadership style, always guided by integrity. Donnie served as the General Manager for the City of Vancouver and as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation, where they demonstrated a commitment to creating vibrant, livable spaces that prioritized community gathering, walkability and climate resilience. They have a remarkable ability to centre equity-denied voices in decision-making processes, ensuring that everyone's needs are heard and addressed.

Drawing lessons from playing and coaching NCAA and National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) hockey, Donnie remains an avid fan of women’s sport with a focus on safety in sport for all. 

Her 2024 nomination for the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Reconciliation in Action recognizes Sarah’s outstanding commitment to fostering dialogue and taking tangible actions toward building more equitable communities, particularly in support of Indigenous communities.

Sarah actively raises awareness of gendered violence and homelessness in her Board Chair roles with the Surrey Vulnerable Women and Girls Committee and the Richmond Community Social Services Committee, as well as Director with the BC Association of Community Health Centres.

Sarah has been with Atira Women’s Resource Society for over a decade and has championed several roles including Program Manager, Director and Executive Director, Operations, and now Chief Operating Officer for the Atira Group of Companies.

Two years ago, Hajar moved to California where she earned a Masters’ degree in International Policy and Development, with a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialization. Hajar has a young family and is just recently moved to Canada.

He was also heavily involved with the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center of BC, answering crisis calls and providing suicide prevention talks in local high schools. Jose started working for Atira in 2009 as a support worker at the Arco Hotel, became the Program manager in 2011 and has had several managerial roles within his 12 years at Atira. He has also been training staff in “non-violent crisis intervention” for last four years and after the COVID 19 pandemic hit Jose collaborated with the Director of Talent to create an online version of the training.  Jose became the Director of Supportive Housing and Tenant Relations in February of 2020 and has since focused on supporting Program Managers so they can provide the best possible care to the members of the community we serve. Jose believes in creating a housing environment that is accepting, respectful, caring and safe, and where tenants have influence over their living situations as he believes this is the foundation for health and wellness.

As Executive Director, Finance & Controller (CPA), Deepak works closely with Anita and the Finance Leadership team to ensure smooth functioning of the Finance department.

She has over 20 years’ experience in public sector fund accounting largely focusing on financial and strategic planning, process improvements, budgeting, financial and data analysis, treasury and cash management, and grant/endowment administration. She has a genuine openness to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels of the organization and a commitment to exceptional customer service. She is highly motivated, results oriented, and dedicated to supporting Atira using her financial expertise and experience. She is committed to developing an environment of inclusiveness where everyone has the right to be heard and treated with dignity and respect. Anita works closely with Deepak and the Finance Leadership Team to ensure smooth functioning of the Finance department.